IPS Employment Specialist (London)

IPS Employment Specialist (Lewisham) Location: Lewisham Working Hours: 37 Contract Type: Permanent Salary: £28,690 - £37,126 Make a real difference in your community Are you passionate about helping people turn their work ambitions into reality? Do you believe employment can be a powerful tool for recovery and independence? If so, this could be the role for you. We’re looking for a motivated, proactive IPS Employment Specialist to deliver high-quality, evidence-based supported employment using the IPS Grow model. This is more than a job, it’s an opportunity to build meaningful relationships, challenge stigma, and create lasting change. About the Role As an IPS Employment Specialist, you’ll support individuals accessing mental health and substance misuse services to find and sustain paid, competitive employment that aligns with their interests, strengths, and goals. This is a hands-on, people-focused role where no two days are the same. You’ll manage a caseload, deliver rapid job search, provide tailored in-work support, and champion the belief that employment is possible for everyone who wants it. You’ll be embedded within multi-disciplinary teams, working closely with clinicians, substance misuse services (both young people’s and adult), and community partners across London. You’ll also play a key role in building strong relationships with local employers, opening doors to opportunities, and advocating for clients in real-world workplaces. Full training and on-the-job support will be provided, making this an excellent opportunity for someone looking to develop a career in employability, recovery, or the voluntary sector. What You’ll Do Using the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) approach, you will: Actively promote clients as potential employees and raise awareness of the service Promote the ethos of IPS and Waythrough, encouraging employers to see clients positively as applicants Proactively engage with local employers to create employment opportunities Facilitate work placements, work trials, and work experience Support clients through rapid job search and job applications Provide tailored in-work support to help individuals sustain employment Maintain accurate records, contribute to IPS Grow fidelity, and use data to improve outcomes About You You’ll be: Passionate about supporting people into meaningful employment Values-driven, proactive, and comfortable working flexibly Confident building relationships with employers and partner agencies Organised, outcomes-focused, and able to manage data and caseloads effectively Excited about making a tangible difference through employment and recovery-focused work To view the full job description and person specification, please click here. Please note: The salary listed reflects the full earning potential for this role. Starting salaries depend on experience and progression within the band. About Waythrough Waythrough was formed in 2024 following the merger of Humankind and Richmond Fellowship. Together, we’ve created one of the largest mental health and social support charities in England. Every year, we support around 125,000 people through nearly 200 services – and it’s all made possible by our 3,500 brilliant staff and volunteers. Make a real difference in your community Are you passionate about helping others live safer, healthier, more independent lives? Join our team at Waythrough and support people facing challenges around mental health, substance use, housing or domestic abuse. This is more than just a job – it’s a chance to build meaningful relationships and create lasting change. What We Offer We value the people who make a difference every day. Alongside meaningful work, you’ll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package: 27 days’ annual leave, rising to 32 after 1 year (plus bank holidays) Pension scheme with 4.5% employer contribution, matched up to 6.5% Life assurance (3× annual salary) Enhanced sick pay and family-friendly pay Birthday leave and the option to buy up to 5 extra days’ annual leave Professional fee reimbursement for relevant qualifications 24/7 online GP access and Employee Assistance Programme Recognition and long service awards via our Way to Go and Aspirations portals £500 Recommend a Friend bonus Cycle to Work scheme and Credit Union membership Discounts via Blue Light Card, Charity Discounts, Extras and Tickets for Good Free will writing service and wellbeing initiatives throughout the year Inclusion and accessibility Waythrough is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities, especially those with lived experience of the issues we support. We have signed up to the Disability Confident Scheme - all applicants are welcome, and adjustments can be made to enable fair participation. If you need adjustments or support to apply, please email our recruitment team: recruitmentteam@waythrough.org.uk Closing Date: 2026-05-28 Waythrough launched in October 2024 following the merger of Humankind and Richmond Fellowship. Our vision is to break down the barriers that stop people getting the support they need to live a life they value. We tackle poverty and disadvantage in communities, through mental health, drug and alcohol, housing and related support. We have almost 200 services around England – and nearly 3,500 amazing staff and volunteers who run them. Every year our services support around 125,000 people. Bringing together two big organisations is not a small task and it’ll take a while to fully integrate our systems, processes and approaches. That’s why you will notice various brands including, ‘Richmond Fellowship’ or ‘Aquarius’ (our subsidiary charity in the Midlands). Aquarius Aquarius is a subsidiary of Waythrough. Aquarius is a Midlands-based charity supporting individuals to overcome the harms caused by drugs, alcohol and gambling. Aquarius has always held the view that people we support could resolve their problems with support and guidance and that people have the ability to find their own solutions to their problems. Our roles across the organisation include Practitioners and Administrators as well as Team Managers. Find out more at www.aquarius.org.uk